

Support Petal Excel By 5 and enjoy an evening of family-friendly comedy and delicious desserts! Doors open at 6:00 p.m., show starts at 7:00 p.m. Come early to mingle, take silly pictures with friends in the photo booth and sample delicious desserts. Tickets are $20 each and include dessert, beverages, and lots of laughs! Stick around for the dessert auction - winning bidders will take home some fabulous desserts!
PETAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Enhancing The Quality of Education in the Petal School District
The Petal Education Foundation relies on the generous donations of its supporters to fund the many activities, events, scholarships and grants throughout the year.
Donations to General Operations ensures that the mission of the Petal Education Foundation is carried out on a daily basis, all year long.
PURPOSE
The primary purpose of the Petal School District Education Foundation is to enhance the quality of education in the Petal School District by providing private funding to have a positive impact on our public schools.
GOALS
The goal of the Foundation is to enhance the quality of education in the Petal School District by:
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Rewarding students by providing scholarships to Petal High School graduates.
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Encouraging innovative programs in the classroom by offering mini-grants for teachers.
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Providing assistance to early childhood/early program.
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Supporting the fine arts and athletic program.

MISSION
The Foundation's mission is to enhance the quality of education in the Petal School District by providing private funding to have a positive impact on our public schools.
PETAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION
2022-23 Board of Directors
President – Kelly Lambert
Vice President – Julie Russell
Secretary – Dr. Matt Dillon*
Recording Secretary-Pacely Alford
Treasurer –Sheryle Coaker
Exec. Director – Leahne Lightsey*
Laurie Barker, Charlene Cannon, Jodie Koloc, Dee Dee Lowrey,
Shannon Newsome, Janice Robinson, Frank Reed, Sheila Smallwood, Jake Wilson
*Non Voting Members

ACTIVITIES
Raising Future Generations of Leaders and Volunteers

The Petal Education Foundation Mini Grant program for teachers has grown from 4 mini grants @ $500.00 each to 13 @ $1000.00 equaling to date $92,000.00

The Petal Education Foundation serves as the “Local Champion” for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Registered babies from birth through five years old who live in the 39465 area receive a free book each month up to their 5th birthday

The Petal Education Foundation was the catalyst for the development of the Petal School District Ambassador organization for high school juniors and seniors.
Petal School District Teacher of the Year
Petal School District Administrator of the Year
The Petal Education Foundation awards the “Petal School District Teacher of the Year” with monetary gifts as well as the “Administrator of the Year.”

The Petal Education Foundation is the fiscal partner and primary fundraiser of Petal’s Excel By 5 - Petal's Early Childhood Education Initiative. The Petal Education Foundation was instrumental in planning and funding
the Petal Excel By 5 Backyard Bus

Petal Schools Academic Yard Signs
The Petal Education Foundation sponsors the Academic Honor Yard Signs that students receive each nine weeks

Student/Staff Assistance Fund
The Petal Education Foundation aids Petal School District staff, faculty and students when tragedy occurs through the Student/Staff Assistance Fund

Petal Schools Employee Fund
The Petal Education Foundation initiates a school district fundraising campaign whereby employees can donate. One fund is the ‘Friends of the Foundation’ Dependent Scholarship fund where graduating seniors meeting the criteria receive a ‘Friends of the Foundation’ scholarship. The average scholarship totals $300.00 each.

To date, the Petal Education Foundation has awarded more than 503 scholarships totaling nearly $331,840.00.

Brunch for Petal Schools Retirees
The Petal Education Foundation hosts Petal School District retirees each Christmas with a themed brunch.
In Partnership with Petal Children's Task Force

Did you know?
A baby will go through 10,000 diapers by the time they are potty trained!

In Memory of Wes Foster

Wes Foster Memorial Fund
Wesley “Wes” Anthony Foster, 46, of Petal, passed away on Sunday, February 13, 2022.
Wes is survived by his loving wife of 22 years Stephanie; his four beautiful children Mallory, Brody, Marley, and Macy.
Wes loved spending time with his family who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest, as he did. He was the definition of fun and had an uncanny ability to always be the life of the party. He was a skilled carpenter, machinist, and entrepreneur. He found great joy in spending time with his family boating, fishing, and hunting.
Donations can be made to the Wes Foster Memorial fund at the Petal Education Foundation, P.O. Box 948, Petal, MS. 39465.
Robert E. Hendrix Scholarship Fund

PETAL EXCEL BY 5 LOOKS AHEAD TO 5TH ANNUAL DUCK DERBY FUNDRAISER
August, 2023

Thanks to our Sponsors:
Verge Entrance Solutions
Carter's Jewelry of Petal
R and R Building & Development, LLC



CONTACT
PETAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION
PO Box 948
Petal, MS 39465
601.545.3002
